By Victor Akaa
The Chiefs of Air Staff of African nations and other stakeholders within the continent and beyond converged in Lagos, Nigeria for the 4th African Air Forces Forum to deliberate on the most effective ways and workable solutions to address the complexity of security challenges bedeviling the continent.
A statement issued by the Director Public Relations and Information NAF, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame said the two-day symposium brought together over 1,300 delegates from more than 50 countries with an interesting opening featuring insightful paper presentations, goodwill messages, amongst intriguing events.
Speaking during the 4th African Air Forces Forum, Nigeria’s Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, emphasised that all African nations must deepen collaboration to effectively address the continent’s complex and transnational security threats. Air Marshal Abubakar explained that no single country can overcome these challenges alone.
Speaking on the theme, “Strengthening Collaborations in Advanced Aerospace Technologies for Enhanced National and Regional Security,” the CAS stressed that trusted partnerships anchored in shared values and strategic interests are crucial for effective airpower employment.
“In today’s rapidly evolving threat environment, the capacity to project airpower for deterrence, surveillance, logistics, or combat has become indispensable. However, at the core of Africa’s effective employment of airpower lies the imperative for trusted partnerships anchored in shared values and strategic interests,” he explained.
The CAS noted that as threats become increasingly transnational in nature, the urgency for enhanced cooperation, innovation, and strategic foresight among African air forces cannot be overemphasised.
“As threats become increasingly transnational in nature, the urgency for enhanced cooperation, innovation, and strategic foresight among African air forces cannot be overemphasised,” Air Marshal Abubakar said.
Also speaking, the Special Guest of Honour, Honourable Minister of Defence, Dr. Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, extolled the key role played by airpower in every military operation, while urging all air chiefs of African air forces to collaborate for maximum impact.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by Deputy Governor Femi Hamzat, welcomed participants to Lagos, describing it as Africa’s most vibrant city.
The 4th African Air Forces Forum is expected to strengthen collaborations and facilitate technology transfer to enhance Africa’s aerospace and defense capabilities.
According to the statement the forum aims to chart a path toward more integrated and cooperative airpower strategies across the continent, emphasizing “African solutions to African problems” in partnership with the global community.
The event featured high-level panel discussions on airborne ISR, counterterrorism strategies, and the role of advanced airpower in asymmetric warfare, as well as exhibitions of aerospace and defense innovations.
